Jazmin Li
TSA PreCheck® is an expedited security program that allows eligible travellers to speed up their screening process at participating U.S. airports and for most international trips. The program is available to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and citizens of partner countries enrolled in specific Trusted Traveller programs. TSA PreCheck® members can enjoy benefits such as shorter lines, not having to remove shoes or light jackets, and keeping liquids and electronics in their bags. The application process involves filling out an online form, providing proof of identification, fingerprinting, and paying a fee. Once approved, members must ensure their Known Traveler Number (KTN) is included in their airline reservations to receive TSA PreCheck® benefits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Expedited security screening at most airports |
| Who can apply? | U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, citizens of partner countries enrolled in Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, and Canadian citizens who are members of NEXUS |
| Application process | Apply online, provide proof of identification, get fingerprinted, get photographed, pay a fee of $85, schedule an in-person interview at an enrollment center, and bring your passport |
| Perks | No need to remove shoes, light jackets, belts, liquids, or electronics from your bag; shorter lines |
| Time taken | About 5 minutes to apply online, 10 minutes to complete enrollment |
| Approval time | Typically 3-5 days |
| Renewal | Can be done online in 5 minutes through an authorized provider; costs $85 every 5 years |
| Children | Children 12 and under can accompany an adult with TSA PreCheck |
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What You'll Learn
TSA PreCheck® eligibility and enrolment
TSA PreCheck® is a trusted traveller programme offered by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that allows eligible travellers to receive membership benefits, including expedited security screening at the airport.
Eligibility
To be eligible for TSA PreCheck®, you must be a US citizen or permanent resident and not have been convicted of any felonies or certain misdemeanours. In addition, you must provide valid identity and citizenship/immigration documents during the application process. The names on all documents must match exactly with the name provided on the application. If you have legally changed your name, you must provide an original or certified copy of a name change document, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree, in addition to the required documentation.
Children 12 and under may accompany an enrolled parent or guardian in the TSA PreCheck® lanes without restriction. Children aged 13–17 may access the TSA PreCheck® lanes if they have a TSA PreCheck® logo on their boarding pass. To be eligible for the TSA PreCheck® logo, the passenger must be on the same airline reservation as a TSA PreCheck®-eligible parent or guardian.
Enrolment
To enrol in TSA PreCheck®, you can follow these three steps:
- Submit your application online in as little as 5 minutes. You can pre-enrol online and make an appointment for the in-person process, or walk into any of the over 400 enrolment centres nationwide without an appointment.
- Complete the in-person process in 10 minutes. During this process, the enrolment provider will collect your biometric data (fingerprints and photo), verify your identity documents, and collect payment.
- Once approved, you will receive your Known Traveller Number (KTN). Add this number to your airline reservations, and you're ready to start saving time in screening.
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TSA PreCheck® perks
TSA PreCheck® is a government program that provides a separate security screening lane for approved passengers. It is a way to expedite the airport security process. Here are some of the perks of enrolling in TSA PreCheck:
Faster Screening
TSA PreCheck® provides faster airport screening at over 200 airports in the US. In April 2024, about 99% of TSA PreCheck® passengers waited less than 10 minutes at airport security.
Dedicated Security Lanes
TSA PreCheck® offers dedicated security lanes for members, allowing them to bypass the standard security lines, which can often be time-consuming and crowded.
Streamlined Screening Process
With TSA PreCheck®, there is no need to remove your shoes, belt, or light jacket during security screening. You can also keep your 3-1-1 liquids, electronics, and laptop in your carry-on bag, eliminating the need to remove and separately screen these items.
Easy Enrollment
Enrolling in TSA PreCheck® is a straightforward process. You can choose from various enrollment providers, such as CLEAR, IDEMIA, or Telos, with locations across the country. Enrollment typically takes only a few minutes, and you can complete your application online or in person.
Cost-Effective Options
The cost of enrolling in TSA PreCheck® varies by provider, and there are cost-effective options available. Some credit cards offer reimbursement for TSA PreCheck®, or you can use your credit card points to pay for enrollment. Additionally, renewing your enrollment online is often less expensive than doing so in person.
By enrolling in TSA PreCheck®, travelers can enjoy a more seamless and efficient airport security experience, saving time and reducing the hassle associated with traditional security screening.
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TSA PreCheck® application process
TSA PreCheck® is a program that expedites traveler screening at over 200 participating airports in the US. Members of the program can enjoy a more efficient security screening process, with 99% of passengers waiting less than 10 minutes.
To apply for TSA PreCheck®, you must first ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements. US citizens, US lawful permanent residents, and citizens of partner countries enrolled in Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI are eligible to participate in TSA PreCheck®. Additionally, Canadian citizens who are members of NEXUS are also eligible.
The application process can be initiated online through the TSA website. Applicants can pre-enroll and make an appointment for the in-person process or walk into an enrollment center without an appointment. There are over 400 TSA PreCheck® application centers nationwide, including airport locations. The online application typically takes around five minutes to complete, while the in-person visit takes approximately 10 minutes. During the in-person process, the enrollment provider will collect your biometric data (fingerprints and photos), verify identity documents, and collect payment. The application fee is $85, covering the cost of background checks, and is non-refundable.
When applying, you must provide an original or certified copy of identity/citizenship status documentation. The names on all documents must match exactly with the name provided on the application. If you have legally changed your name, you must provide an original or certified name change document (such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree) in addition to the required documentation.
Most applicants receive approval notification within 3-5 days, although some applications can take up to 60 days. Therefore, it is recommended to renew or apply at least 60 days before the expiry of any existing membership.
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TSA PreCheck® boarding pass requirements
TSA PreCheck® is a program that expedites the security screening process at over 200 participating U.S. airports for eligible travellers. The program is available to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and citizens of partner countries enrolled in Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI. Canadian citizens who are NEXUS members are also eligible.
To enrol in TSA PreCheck®, you must go in person to an enrolment centre and provide documentation, fingerprints, and a non-refundable $85 fee to cover the cost of background checks. You can enrol with authorised providers such as CLEAR, IDEMIA, or Telos. After enrolling, you will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN), which you must include in the "Known Traveler Number" field when booking reservations or adding to your frequent flyer profile with the airline.
If you are eligible for TSA PreCheck®, your boarding pass will show a TSA PreCheck® indicator. This indicator is typically displayed when your KTN is included in your airline reservation. If you do not see the indicator on your boarding pass, first check that your KTN is active and that your name and date of birth are accurate with the airline. If you still do not have the indicator, you can contact TSA through Twitter (@AskTSA), Facebook Messenger, Apple Business Chat, or by texting "Travel" to 275-872.
It is important to note that even with TSA PreCheck®, all travellers will be screened, and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening. Additionally, children aged 13-17 may access the TSA PreCheck® lanes if they have the indicator on their boarding pass and are on the same airline reservation as a TSA PreCheck®-eligible parent or guardian.
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TSA security measures
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employs a range of security measures to ensure the safety of travellers. These measures are designed to be unpredictable, with both seen and unseen procedures in place. All travellers will be screened, and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening. TSA works closely with intelligence and law enforcement agencies to share information and maintain the highest levels of transportation security.
Passenger screening is a critical component of TSA's security measures. TSA screens approximately 3.3 million carry-on bags daily for explosives and other dangerous items. Passengers are required to remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone from their carry-on bags and place them in separate bins for X-ray screening. TSA also employs pat-down procedures to detect prohibited items or threats. These pat-downs may include inspections of the head, neck, arms, torso, legs, and feet, including sensitive areas.
TSA PreCheck® is a program that offers expedited screening for eligible travellers. Participants can bypass the removal of shoes, belts, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, and light jackets during screening. To enrol in TSA PreCheck®, individuals can apply through authorised providers, completing steps such as fingerprinting, document verification, photo capture, and payment.
To enhance security, TSA recommends travellers wear shoes without laces and have their boarding passes and IDs ready before reaching checkpoints. Travellers are advised to be vigilant and report suspicious activities, and to comply with staff instructions. TSA also encourages physical distancing and provides assistance to those with medical or disability needs.
TSA continuously adapts its procedures to address evolving threats and manage challenges such as staff shortages and increasing passenger volumes. These dynamic security measures ensure the safe and efficient screening of travellers at airports.
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Frequently asked questions
TSA PreCheck® is a program that expedites the traveller screening process at participating TSA security checkpoints.
To participate, you must apply and get approval from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). You can apply online or via Global Entry. You'll need to be a U.S. citizen and pay a non-refundable $85 fee every 5 years.
TSA PreCheck® allows you to speed up your screening process at most airports. You can leave your shoes on, go through shorter lines, and keep liquids and electronics in your bag.
You'll need to show your boarding pass that has the TSA PreCheck® approval on it. You can add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your flight reservation.
